The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1887-10-27
-.
FARMERS BOYS AND THE AGRI-
~ CULTURAL COLLEGE.

| Read Before the Farmers State Institute
IN Commons Hall, Oct. 10th, 1887, by
II. s. Primrosa Chairman Ececutivt
Committee Of Board Of Trustees Of Agri-
cultural and Mechanical College.
In all branches of industry the compe-
tition of the world is bringing about a
close margin Of profits, and the demand
comes that every producer must have the
very best practical methods as we'll as the
very best training in his especial calling.
This state of facts demands that close
economy shall be used as well as the best
methods in first production. Of all classes
of producers the agriculturist needs the
very best training in the principles and
practice Of his avocation.
When we reflect that the product of
the world is the result Of manual labor,
that men may run railroads, banks, stores,
hotels, &c, &c, but all are based on the
output of manual work; it seems strange
that so little special training is given our
boys. The Almighty has given us these
wonderful instruments-our fingers-and
they should be trained thoroughly, in ad-
dition to the mind.
Now what kind of instruction is best
adapted for farmers sons who wish to be
farmers
Will the colleges, at present in the
State. furnish just what they need? Or
is some more practical kind of training
calculated to give better results?
The atmosphere Of classical college
tends towards literary or scientific pro-
fessions, and to make men what are called
non-producers of the earth's products.
The boys at West Point live in an at
mosphere which draws out their tastes
and inclinations towards military affairs.
This is the dominant notion of the acad-
emy And it takes hold of the boys.
In an agricultural and mechanical col
lege the tastes and inclinations of the boy
are towards purely practical work. Manual
labor is dignifed. An able corps of pro-
fessors are employed whose every teach
ing points to work! Work on the farm,
work in the dairy, work in the nursery,
work in the shop
We believe, with many others, that the
system employed in agricultural and me-
chanical colleges will give the best prac-
tical education for farmers and mechanics,
and that the entire system is better cal
culated than any other method to dignity
and ennoble labor.
Now what is the direct aim Of an agri-
cultural college?
1t is to educate good, practical farmers.
What is taught or will be taught in the
North Carolina institution?
[ will take pleasure in answering.
English, mathematics, chemistry, agricul-
ture horticulture, zoology and veterinary
surgery, on the one hand, and draught-
ing, carpentery, machine woodwork,
forging, machine work in iron, making
and tempering steel tools, &C., on the
other hand. English constitutes the basis
and will be thoroughly taught; grammar,
principles of the language, and advanced
studies in English, including full courses
of political economy. Mathematics will
be most carefully taught and applied to
every practical work. The practice of
keeping accounts, neatly and accurately,
is Of great importance to the farmer, and
will be fully taught. This department
will also include the study of civil engi-
neering
The study of chemistry occupies an i'm
portant part of the course Of study. The
composition of plants and the food they
require in the way Of manures.
Of the large number of elementary sub
stances known to the chemist, 13 Of the